MLS: Union bring back all-time scorer Le Toux

The Union’s attempts to move forward from last year’s disappointing season involve a move into the past.

Forward Sebastien Le Toux was brought back into the fold Thursday, as the franchise’s all-time leading scorer who left under acrimonious circumstances 11 months ago was reacquired via trade from New York.

The Union gave up young Costa Rican forward Josue Martinez and allocation money for the 28-year-old French born striker, who scored 25 goals and 20 assists in 62 league appearance in 2010-11 for the Union. Le Toux will be unveiled at a press conference at PPL Park this morning.

“We are happy to welcome Sebastien back to the club,” manager John Hackworth said in a team statement. “His determination and heart are a perfect fit for the mentality of this team.”

The irony in the move is two-fold: Not only was Le Toux’s departure to Vancouver for allocation money Jan. 31 the start of a spate of unpopular personnel moves by the Union, it also demonstrates the steps the club has taken under Hackworth. In an exclusive interview with Mercury affiliate the Delaware County Daily Timesfollowing the trade to Vancouver, Le Toux was adamant in both his desire to stay in Philadelphia and a pledge to retire rather than play for former Union boss Peter Nowak again.

Le Toux bounced around last season, holding down a regular role with Vancouver and scoring four goals in 19 appearances before being dealt to New York. He produced just one goal for the Red Bulls on a crowded forward line that included MVP candidate Thierry Henry and rejuvenated Kenny Cooper in 14 appearances and has gotten caught up in the housecleaning in Harrison after another disappointing season that saw them eliminated in the Eastern conference semifinals.

“Sebastien indicated to us at the end of the season that he wanted to return to Philadelphia, and we respected his request,” Red Bulls sporting director Andy Roxburgh said in a statement. Earlier Thursday, New York had made an offer to secure his rights, which made the trade possible.

In Le Toux, the Union again have a veteran presence in attack around which to mold a talented but green strike corps that includes last year’s leading scorer Jack McInerney, Antoine Hoppenot and 2012 MLS SuperDraft first-round pick Chandler Hoffman. One of the inconsistent performers last season was Martinez, 22, who was acquired last December from Deportivo Saprissa in his home country. He failed to establish himself as a regular in his first season in Chester, scoring just one goal, in a late-season win over Houston, and registering just six shots on goal in 18 league appearances.